Question

The nurse prepares to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an infant client who presents in cardiac arrest. Which action should the nurse implement to perform chest compressions for the infant?

A. Placing four fingers of each hand side by side at the nipple line.
B. Placing the heel of the palm of the hand to the bottom of the sternum.
C. Placing the palmar surface of the hand to the sternum.
D. Placing the thumbs side by side, just below the nipple line.

Answer 1

For infant CPR, the correct technique is to place the thumbs side by side, just below the nipple line and perform compressions at a depth of 1.5 inches and a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Proper training ensures effective and safe delivery of CPR.

Step-by-step explanation:

To perform chest compressions for an infant who is in cardiac arrest, the correct action for a nurse or any rescuer trained in CPR would be option D, which involves placing the thumbs side by side, just below the nipple line. However, the application of the technique may differ slightly based on the recommendations of different CPR-certifying organizations. Generally, the rescuer should place two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line, or encircle the infant's chest and support the back while using both thumbs to press down on the chest.

The hands should be placed directly over the sternum, avoiding the xiphoid process which, if pressed, can cause injury. Compressions should be at least one third the depth of the chest, roughly 1.5 inches (4 cm), at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Proper CPR training is essential to ensure high-quality chest compressions and to minimize the risk of causing additional harm to the patient.